Claude Kelly talks about the song he co-write which also happens to be the new Michael Jackson single "Hold My Hand" with Akon, which will be released today at 12:01AM EST on http://www.michaeljackson.com. In a message posted on his Tumblr, Claude Kelly spoke of his experience co-writing "Hold My Hand": "In 2007, I co-wrote a song called "Hold My Hand" with Akon," says Claude. "A good friend and dope engineer, Exit Goodchild made it sound like magic. My idol, Michael Jackson recorded it and made one of my lifelong dreams come true. It was slated to come out...what happened next the whole world knows.**
"It's now 2010, and although the circumstances are bittersweet, I am still honored and proud that "Hold My Hand' will have its day in the sun. Grateful."
Known for penning hit tracks across genres for the likes of Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Whitney Houston, Jason Derulo, Ke$ha, Lil Jon, Miley Cyrus and Leona Lewis, Claude Kelly is delighted to have been able to co-write for his musical idol and inspiration, Michael Jackson.
Most recently Claude has crafted songs for Bruno Mars ("Grenade") and David Archuleta ("Falling Stars") as well as tracks for upcoming projects by Flo Rida (lead single "Who Dat Girl?" feat. Akon), Fefe Dobson (lead single "Stuttering"), Christina Aguilera (lead single "Express" for the feature film Burlesque) and Lee DeWyze ("Stay Here" and "It's Gotta Be Love"). He also wrote T.I.'s "Dying In Your Arms" featuring Jazmine Sullivan, which leaked online on 11/9. Additional artists who have recorded Claude Kelly-scribed songs include Chrisette Michele, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Brandy, R. Kelly, Jesse McCartney, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, Charice, Melanie Fiona and Jordin Sparks.
